Who would have thought that the biggest surprise at the VMAs would come the Wednesday before it airs?

The show will go without a host for the first time ever, after producers went "down to the wire" to search for someone to follow Chelsea Handler and Russell Brand.

In an interview with Billboard, MTV's Vice President of Music and Talent Amy Doyle confirmed that going without a primary host was not in the original plans for the broadcast.

"Hosting is such a unique element. We feel we got it right by putting new talent on the stage like Chelsea and Russell," she said. "We're really challenging ourselves to find the right person so that the show feels complete."

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When the search proved fruitless, the decision was made to go without, giving ample time for what Doyle claims will be a minimum of eight musical acts as well as tributes (such as Tony Bennett's salute to the late Amy Winehouse) and other extras.

If the move proves successful, expect to see MTV (and perhaps other award shows) rethinking the traditional host route.